Potential and readiness for video-visits in rural palliative homecare: results of a multi-method study in Canada

We compared conventional palliative homecare visits and a combination of conventional and home telehealth video-visits' with respect to symptom management and quality of life. Participants were recruited from 11 rural communities in Alberta and randomized to the treatment or control groups, remaining in the study for 8 weeks. Although we planned to recruit 200 clients over two years, only 44 clients participated. Factors contributing to low recruitment included the introduction of new service delivery models and changes in the home care environment. No significant differences were found between the groups in measures of symptom management and quality of life. Compared to the home care nurses, clients generally indicated a higher level of readiness to use the technology. The study suggested that videophone technology would probably not be adopted for palliative home care in the population that was studied although it might be considered for other applications in the management of chronic illnesses.